£47,665 - £50,908 per annum (PO4)

Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city.

We serve an outstanding Children’s & Families Department, and seek a full time Principal Legal Officer (PO4) to practise primarily in the area of Children’s Social Care Law.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you
As a Principal Legal officer (PO4), you will bring to the role:

• good interpersonal skills,
• ability to prioritise your own workload,
• manage a personal caseload,
• act as an advocate in contested hearings and work to tight court deadlines (with more complex advice and advocacy being dealt with by higher grade officers)
• be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed.

About the role
You will undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of Children’s Social Care.

As our next Principal Legal officer (PO4), you’ll actively support the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best City Ambition.

The role is integral to our Social Care Legal team. You will be supported by an experienced team of Principal legal Officers (PO6), Legal Officers and Legal Assistants; with supervision and management by a Team Leader.  The section comprises of a mix of PLO posts, with allocation of work accordingly.

This position would suit a newly qualified solicitor or Legal Executive (with advocacy certificate (family).  Previous experience of childcare law would be welcomed but not essential.

What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role contact Rebecca Roberts (Section Head) on tel:0113 3789134 or Safeena Koshar (Team Leader) on 0113 3789101 or email at rebecca.roberts@leeds.gov.uk or safeena.koshar@leeds.gov.uk 

Job Purpose: The section covers the following areas of work: Childrens Social Care Law.  The postholder will provide a high quality, value for money legal service, which actively supports the delivery of the council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best City Ambitions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal professional work primarily in the area of Children’s Social Care Legal Work. The post holder will be expected to have this area of work as a focus but also to provide support on other areas of law as required, and any other local government legal matters and /or matters dealt with by Legal Services.
• Contribute directly to the generation of external income and work flexibly across the Service as and when required.
• Undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal matters in one or more areas as set out above
• Draft and issue court and other documentation as necessary including instructions to counsel.
• Conduct investigatory and preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective presentation of cases to court and provide advice/updates as to the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies
• Attend court/tribunals/inquiries/appeals with counsel as instructing representative if required
• Undertake advocacy on cases where appropriate including contested hearings.
• To draft legal documentation, agreements and advice.
• Work flexibly to support other staff across the Service and as part of a team to cover court, tribunal/inquiries/appeals commitments and other work as required.
• Provide advice to clients both orally and in writing.
• To provide and develop high quality legal services for clients
• Maintain an awareness of all legislative and case law developments which might impact on the work of clients and advise them as appropriate.
• Prepare and deliver training for clients and colleagues with regard to law and practice relating to their functions and work.
• Contribute directly to the generation of external income.
• Meet all professional requirements, for example and as appropriate, the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) competence framework in relation to personal development and SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Undertake work for other authorities under partnership and/or other arrangements
• Attend meetings, tribunals, inquiries/appeals and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council as required
• Carry out such other duties within Legal Services and the Council, and for other clients as required commensurate with the grade
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Closing date: Rolling advert

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.